A university is backing its ongoing commitment to bringing on the next generation of journalists at a fledgling industry ‘Oscar’ night.

The Journalist of the Year prize at the second Asian Media Awards will again be sponsored by Manchester Metropolitan University and Routes into Languages.

The category is one of the most sought-after awards at next month’s event and aims to reward an individual who has made a lasting impression with a series of reports from the world of print, online, TV and radio

Dr Sharon Handley, dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Languages and Social Science at MMU, said: “We are proud to be at the forefront of promoting and celebrating the outstanding achievements being made in the media sector.

“We recognise the importance of promoting journalism within the Asian community to ensure that people with a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives enter the profession.”

Several new categories are being introduced with a major focus on promoting raw talent within the industry. All categories for the awards ceremony – being staged on Tuesday 28 October at the Hilton Deansgate, Manchester – can be viewed at http://www.asianmediaawards.com/categories